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Jalen Rose’s relationship with Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores vital in charter school’s educational mission

When the topic turns to the public charter school that bears his name, Jalen Rose becomes a preacher.

The ESPN/ABC analyst, who starred at Michigan and played 13 seasons in the NBA, mimics a proud parent while advocating for the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, which he co-founded in 2011.

The passion is also apparent when he brings up JRLA benefactors like the Detroit Pistons, owner Tom Gores and vice chairman Arn Tellem.

“So many things literally come from donors, and that's why it's very important to not only spread the word about what we're doing, but also hopefully have game-changing donors that can really help influence the vision that I have for JRLA,” Rose told Pistons.